EMU 221 Series on the Nara Line

EMU JR West 221 series stands at Kyoto station on the Nara line

I have already introduced many kinds of trains, which I found in Kyoto station last year, but there's still some left. I'm going to show you the EMU JR West 221 series today. I came across the 221 series on platform number 10 on the Nara line at Kyoto station. The Nara line was once "the kingdom of the EMU 103 series". Many sets of light green-colored 103 series trains were frequently operated, but it has been gradually replaced by the other models such as the 221 series.

The 221 series was launched in 1989 as JR West's first internally developed model after the break-up and privatization of Japanese National Railways in 1987. 474 units in total were built by Kinki Sharyo, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Hitachi Kasado Factory and the others. One set is composed of eight, six or four cars. The ratio between motorcars and trailers (MT ratio) is one to one. The 221 series has steel bodies. The electric control system is a field added excitation, which is an advanced rheostatic control system using series DC motors.

This model is mainly operated as a rapid train named Yamatoji Rapid. It's convenient for passengers who go to Nara City from Kyoto station on the Tokaido Shinkansen. They can use this luxury train with cozy seats without any extra charge. It's specifically attractive for sightseeing travelers. Needless to say, the competitor of JR West's Yamatoji Rapid is Kintetsu's limited express trains. As a passenger, I welcome two companies' competition.

Side view of the EMU 221 series